It is the time again when we turn the calendar from 2025 to a brand new 2026. Some of us rush towards the promise of a fresh start, while others may find themselves looking back, holding close the cherished memories. No matter where you stand, there’s one thing you can count on in the year ahead: the birds outside your window. So, as the new year unfolds, let’s look ahead.

For bird feeders in the northern states, winter may linger into March. Farther south, birds have already begun their northward journey, yet in colder regions, the tender plant buds they depend on have not yet emerged.For residents, they have made it through winter, and still need extra supplies. To support them, you may fill your feeder with foods rich in fats and proteins, such as black-oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet.

It is also the perfect time to enjoy more frequent backyard visitors. You might spot the striking blue jay or the lively black-billed magpie A variety of finches are also likely to appear at your feeders, including the familiar House Finch and the soft-hued Purple Finch.

By March, some states may see the snow and ice begin to thaw. Some might wonder if it’s time to remove feeders as the weather warms and natural food becomes more available. However, early spring remains a tough month for wild birds. Snow, rain and cold temperatures in March pose a significant challenge for wild birds. Finding sufficient food remains to be a daily struggle. A warm spring-like day can rapidly turn into cold rain, and a late March snowstorm easily extends the suffer.

Continue stocking your feeder with high-energy seeds. Increase the proportion of millet mix in your feeder. Niger thistle is also a wonderful option for early spring. This is also an excellent time to start offering mealworms at your feeder, if you haven’t already. They are easily found at pet stores, sold either live or dried.

By offering a reliable food source during the unpredictable early spring, you’ll be rewarded with clearer signs of the season's shift, such as the first robin of 2026, or the first appearances of chiffchaffs. If you add sliced fruits to your offerings, you’re likely to attract more blackbirds and starlings. 

The timing of spring migration varies greatly by species. It could be a long journey that starts as early as late February and can stretch all the way into June for others. 

Nutrition is still the most critical during migration. Birds need energy for their day-long journeys. Some birds fly for days without a chance to stop and eat. Therefore, spring migration is when many migratory species will stop at backyard feeders.

Some people choose to take their feeders down for the summer. If you are unable to check and clean feeders frequently, this can be a practical and responsible choice.If you wish to provide extra support for birds during the summer, a dependable source of clean, fresh water is an excellent option.

The fall migration broadly begins in August and continues through early November, though some species begin their journey as early as mid-June.Autumn itself is a time of natural plenty with berries, seeds, and insects widely available for birds. Therefore, birds rely far less on feeders in autumn than they do in the urgent days of spring.

However, with a greater variety of species on the move, your backyard has a much higher chance of rare and special visitors. Your backyard feeders become a bonus stop rather than a necessity during the fall migration.A ready camera built into your feeder is your best chance to capture the travelers, from flashy migrants like orioles, hummingbirds, and tanagers to the delightful warblers and the beloved return of seasonal visitors such as dark-eyed juncos and white-throated sparrows.
The high-energy foods, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and nyjer seed are still popular.

As winter returns and the autumn migration draws to a close, the purpose of your feeder shifts to supporting the birds that will stay with us through the coldest months.Freezing rain, iced-over birdbaths, and persistently cold temperatures pose significant threats to resident birds. The type of food you provide in your feeders should be adjusted according to the weather patterns in your location. 

• https://www.nationalbirdfeedingmonth.com/
• https://chirpforbirds.com/nature-advocacy/why-you-see-more-birds-at-your-feeders-in-february/?srsltid=AfmBOooSWfTPIfEO92cPnV9C82emq6NZCficl9A6y0CMaj0OBFrFTpbZ
• https://haiths.com/blogs/wildlife/march-a-guide-to-nature-and-wellbeing
• https://chirpforbirds.com/how-to/march-a-tough-month-for-wild-birds-and-how-to-help/?srsltid=AfmBOor9bCFtEjqPBw_EJb-FDlz4GYbPd4iluNNwyA_jXjs9zKtRxQs6
• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/should-i-take-my-feeder-down-when-the-weather-starts-to-warm-up/
• https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding/spring.html
• https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/beginners/birding-faq/why-you-should-move-your-feeders-in-summer/
• https://www.audubon.org/magazine/audubon-guide-winter-bird-feeding